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| This column is the bishop’s communication with the faithful of the Diocese of Madison. Any wider circulation reaches beyond the intention of the bishop. |
Dear Friends,
We are fast approaching, not only the end of the summer season (where did it go?) but, far more importantly, Our Lady’s day in summer — that is the Feast of the Assumption of Mary.
This feast has a special significance for us this year because Mary is the Queen of Peace, as she is the Mirror of Justice, and the Seat of Wisdom. Surely we desperately need her intercession at the moment.
Peace is ‘scarred’ throughout the world
The international peace is scarred by war in different parts of the world. In particular, it is scarred by the current suppression of its own people by the Syrian government and the threat which Iran and the terrorism it sponsors pose daily to the world, not to mention Afghanistan and the dear loss of our service people which tragically occurred over the weekend.
In our own country, the economic peace has been shattered by current developments with regard to the raising of the debt ceiling, the devaluing of our national credit rating, and the still anemic jobs market.
And our local peace here in the diocese has been severely disturbed since the beginning of this year, in terms of the dispute involving our governor and the unions in our own state and their national counterparts. As I pen this column on Monday, Aug. 8, we are on the threshold of certain recall elections on August 9, and further recall elections next week.
Seeking Mary’s intercession as Queen of Peace
The celebration of Mary’s feast could not be better placed in accord with God’s providence, that we might seek her intercession as Queen of Peace, Mirror of Justice, and Seat of Wisdom.
Please make every effort to be present for Mass on August 15, because we appreciate the urgency that a special appeal for the intercession of our Blessed Mother is absolutely necessary at a time when peace at so many levels is so fragile.
She will surely intercede for us with Her Son, the Prince of Peace, for whom all things are always possible.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. Please be assured of my prayers for you and all of your loved ones as the vacation season draws to a close.
I surely hope that you and yours will have had the time for family rest and recreation together during these days, and I very much look forward to the start of the “school season,” of normal diocesan and parish activity soon to begin — not to forget, the start of football season! Praised be Jesus Christ!